Six Nations: Ireland 28 – 6 Scotland

DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 24: Paul O'Connell of Ireland looks on during the International match between Ireland and New Zealand All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium on November 24, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Hanging on: Max Evans stops Jamie Heaslip on this occasion but the No 8 still led Ireland to a win

by Katie Field, at the Aviva Stadium

The match in 30 seconds

Ireland opened their RBS Six Nations campaign with a convincing win over Scotland, leading from the 22nd minute and stretching away, out of sight, in the second half. The Ireland pack stole five Scotland lineouts and two Scotland scrums and unlike last year’s clash between these two nations, they manufactured scores from their possession rather than squandering it.

A try from Andrew Trimble put Ireland 11-3 up at half-time and further tries after the break from stand-in captain Jamie Heaslip – called upon to lead the team after Paul O’Connell dropped out with a chest infection – and Rob Kearney were more than enough for Ireland.

Scotland’s best chance of a try came when David Denton was bundled into touch in the right-hand corner on the half-hour. Incisive running from Stuart Hogg and Sean Lamont made inroads into the Ireland defence but could not break it completely.

– Sean Maitland limped off in the 32nd minute after an aerial clash with Dave Kearney. He appeared to suffer a knee injury and a possible concussion and so is doubtful for next Saturday’s Calcutta Cup game.

What’s next?

– For Scotland it’s the same old problem: finding a way to turn possession and half-chances into points. Coach Scott Johnson was pleased with the way they disrupted Ireland in the first half-hour and with their approach play, but frustrated at their inability to cross the try-line.

– In many ways it was a good day at the office for Ireland but they did concede ten turnovers to Scotland so will be trying to tighten up the breakdown area before they take on Wales next weekend.

– The loss of two scrums and five lineouts was a disappointment for the Scotland pack, so they will need to be more secure in their set pieces next weekend.

If Sean Maitland is not fit, Dougie Fife could step up from the Scotland A side to the first team. The back row could be reshuffled, with John Barclay coming in at No 7, Kelly Brown moving to blindside and Ryan Wilson dropping out.